CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati baseball team kicked off the 2012 season with a splash after hosting its second annual First Pitch Reception on Friday at the Riverfront Club in Great American Ball Park.

The sold-out event was hosted by the Diamond Club, a function of UCATS that provides financial support critical to the success of UC baseball. There were over 200 people in attendance which consisted of baseball supporters, UC baseball alumni, current players and friends and family of the program.

Also present were University of Cincinnati President Gregory Williams and Director of Athletics Whit Babcock, who each addressed the crowd, along with UC baseball head coach Brian Cleary and Pittsburgh Pirates infielder and former Bearcats All-American, Josh Harrison.

The message of the evening was to celebrate the start of the 2012 season, which begins Friday in Clearwater, Fla., and to promote the continued growth and development of the UC baseball program, which has a string of four straight BIG EAST Conference Championship appearances.

"I'm anxious to welcome the start of the 2012 baseball season and again have high expectations for our team," said Cleary while addressing the First Pitch crowd. "My goal for UC Baseball is clear - a BIG EAST Championship and our return to the NCAA Tournament. We've moved significantly closer to achieving these over the past few seasons, but have more work to do and we need your help to accomplish these goals."

That message has been well received, as the Diamond Club continues to grow its membership and a record number of season tickets have been sold for the 2012 UC baseball season, which features a March 2 home opener at beautiful Marge Schott Stadium.

The Diamond Club is more vital than ever in the fight to win a BIG EAST Championship. Money raised through the Diamond Club goes directly to UC baseball to fund expenses such as stadium improvements, scholarships, and a graduate assistant position; all critical operating elements to the program's success.

To become a member of the Diamond Club, where membership begins at just $100 and includes two season tickets, go to the UCATS/Diamond Club website or call 1-877-55-UCATS.

Season tickets are still available for all 30 home games at Marge Schott Stadium for as little as $10. To purchase season tickets for the 2012 UC baseball season, contact the UC ticket office by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX or online at catstix.com.